My sweet friend, a mother of two young children, was recently facing an emotional load fit for no one. I really wanted to think of a way, if only briefly, to fill her up with some love? So, I made her some Strawberry-Banana muffins of course.
Until about 3 years ago, I would never have said I enjoy baking. But, something clicked once C was born and now I honestly, deeply, enjoy it. I enjoy finding and tweaking recipes, I enjoy stirring all the ingredients together knowing their combination will generate smiles. Baking is one of my favorite ways to give to my family, friends and neighbors.
Baking also means a lot of dishes, messy fingers licking the bowls or beaters of what ever I am making and extra calories. But, in moderation, giving some of my treats to others and getting the opportunity to take pictures of my boys enjoying the last licks from the bowl, like I used to love as a little girl, are all worth the small inconveniences.
It isn’t easy to find 20 to 30 minutes of semi-uninterrupted time (you have to think when measuring, right?) to pull off a recipe with the daily mayhem in my house. Think high noise level, boys always on the verge of exploring, creating, doing “something”, no one stays in one place, question after question and someone is always hungry. But, if I am diligent, creative (giving the boys opportunities to measure, mix, help) and let go of my “perfect expectations”, it happens.
The key to successful baking is my mindset. It always comes back to this, my mindset.
If my intention is genuine and I give myself the opportunity to succeed (plenty of time, extra counter space for the boys to help, no baking on an empty stomach, lower my expectations) I get so much more out of the baking process. I also think the treats taste so much better. They are not filled with frustrated, stressed out energy…they are filled with love.
Your Turn: Who has a favorite treat to share? How are you most successful when baking?
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The next post in this series: The “Should” Flag
I agree with you…treats baked with love taste sooo much better! ps your heart shaped baking cups are awesome!
Thanks! I love those baking cups too
I found them at Michaels on sale after Valentines day and I use them ALL the time.
They just make me happy, especially while I scoop delicious batter into them!
I’m quite fond of after Valentines day sales…mostly because I like the color red and things that are heart shaped…and sales! I have a heart shaped 6 cupcake pan but only baking 6 cupcakes at a time kind of sucks. I’ll be on the lookout for individual ones like yours the next time I go shopping. Keep baking and I’ll be sure to visit you again soon!
Yum! I’m so glad you made these muffins, I’d love to find heart muffin tins like this!
They really are sweet aren’t they. I found them a Michaels just after Valentines Day. They are awesome!
http://www.stuff4crafts.com/heart-12-pkg-silicone-baking-cups-w415-9409.html?CAWELAID=600706833&gclid=CJ-Dv4Cw97ICFcKDQgod5H0AmA
In case you can’t wait for Valentines Day here they are (follow this link)…and on sale! Enjoy